TICKET HOLDERS, PLEASE READ—The following events have been rescheduled: Six Ages of Woman at Woodside Event Center is now on Thurs., Sept. 10th. Six Ages of Woman at Wagner's of Westlake is now on Wed., June 17th. Six Ages of Woman at Tangier is now on Fri., Sept. 25th. Six Ages of Woman at Hilton Garden Inn Twinsburg is now on Wed., October 7th. Logan Wells-Patsy Cline Lunch & Dinner at The Bell Tower at St. John Bosco is now on Fri., July 24th. Lights Out-Frankie Valli Dinner at Villa Croatia is now on Thurs., Sept. 10th. Lights Out-Frankie Valli Lunch & Dinner at The Bell Tower at St. John Bosco is now on Fri., Sept. 11th. Please visit the individual event ticket page for more details on any show.

The Berea Depot Bar and Restaurant celebrates 3 years in business with a new summer menu and covered patio

Situated about 20 paces from the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, the Berea Depot Bar and Restaurant was erected from quarried sandstone in 1876. It’s been lovingly brought back to life by owners and history buffs Chef Scott Ita (left) and his wife, Lynn McLaughlin-Ita. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Patricia Nugent

The Berea Depot Bar and Restaurant is excited to be quickly approaching its third year in business. A new covered patio bar and the debut of a sensational summer cocktail menu will have you coming out, kicking back and soaking in the historic atmosphere.

Situated about 20 paces from the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroad tracks, this vintage building was erected from quarried sandstone in 1876. It’s been lovingly brought back to life by owners and history buffs Chef Scott Ita and his wife, Lynn McLaughlin-Ita. They both take pride in the fascinating collection of memorabilia they’ve amassed, from a train sign from the Terminal Tower that lists the last trains that ran there, to a breathtaking mural of a terminal that hangs over the restaurant.

New Al Fresco Bar & DiningAlso set along the tracks, so close you can feel the vibrations as trains thunder by, Scott and Lynn have recently expanded their patio.

The covered bar area features rustic rough-hewn beams, Edison lights strung throughout and a slate counter that seats 24. It leads to the patio dining area, which seats 40 and is surrounded by wooden trellises and charming flower pots.

Look for live music every Saturday night, including Brazilian-inspired guitarist Luca on June 15, summer party band Paradise Sunset on the 22nd, and the pop/rock/jazz duo Those Guys on the 29th. Check out their Facebook page for a complete listing of artists gracing the Depot Patio this summer.

With the new patio in place, they decided to revamp their drink menu, too.

“We’re introducing some amazing fresh and fruity concoctions, from Margarita Sangria, which features the very best of both libations, to Boxcar Punch, a good old-fashioned whiskey-based drink with fruit,” says Lynn. “Also don’t miss our Caboose Cooler, with cucumber and fresh muddled mint, and the Railroad Crossing, a minty gin combo.”

The classically prepared Sea Scallops on angel hair pasta.

Fresh Summer MenuChef Scott’s upscale pub fare with a modern twist has garnered awards over the years, and his summer menu is just as remarkable.

“Many of our diners are opting for vegan and gluten-free fare, so we came up with a dish that’s classic comfort food,” he says. “Our Red Lentil Pasta is topped with a medley of blistered tomatoes, red onion, grilled asparagus and spinach, lightly dressed with garlic-infused oil to bring out the best in all the star players.”